Menstruation for more than a week with clots. Heavy periods with clots - causes and treatment

A regular menstrual cycle is the key to the health of every woman, but sometimes during absolutely normal periods unusual discharge is observed, which frightens many. These include the appearance of blood clots. They usually come out in chunks and are very disturbing to women. Usually, if you experience meat-like symptoms, you should seek medical help. Sometimes the cause of such discharge is an inflammatory process in the body or gynecological diseases.

Approximately one in three women experience discharge in the form of large pieces of blood during menstruation. They can be divided into two groups, the first of which is normal and is not accompanied by other dangerous symptoms. The second type appears due to the presence of a gynecological disease in the body.

Throughout the menstrual cycle, the inner lining of the uterus gradually becomes thicker, thus preparing for possible fertilization. If pregnancy does not occur, the endometrial layer, along with the blood, is torn off and comes out of the vagina, sometimes in the form of pieces of exfoliated endometrium, which is not a pathology.

Menstrual blood has a dark red color and a characteristic odor. Usually there are no clots present, but some women report the appearance of small pieces of blood as a monthly occurrence.

They appear when the enzymes responsible for its coagulation cannot cope with heavy discharge, so it can coagulate directly into the vagina. For this reason, pieces that look like meat come out, but in fact it is just coagulated blood. When a clot comes out of the vagina, like skin or tissue, it may just be separated endometrium.

Main symptoms

Despite the fact that discharge in the form of clots is considered normal, in most cases you need to consult a gynecologist about this. You should urgently seek medical help in the following cases:

the size of the isolated pieces is more than 3 cm;
simultaneously with the clots, the woman’s temperature rises;
weakness;
pain in the abdomen.

If during menstruation a clot comes out simultaneously with other symptoms, a pathological process may develop in the body.

Pathological changes

When a woman's periods are usually long and heavy, there is no need to worry about this. But there are other reasons for the appearance of atypical discharge.

The enzymatic system is responsible for the normal process of blood clotting in women, failures in which lead to the appearance of small clots, which changes the nature of the discharge. They contain particles that did not have time to coagulate in time. If a woman's blood clots too quickly, a clot will certainly appear during her period.

A lack of enzymes most often leads to poor coagulation and the release of meat-like pieces. Such discharge also occurs with anemia in women. If you experience weakness or high fever at the same time as clots, you should not postpone your visit to the doctor.

Presence of an intrauterine device

The intrauterine device, which is used to protect against unwanted pregnancy, also often causes bleeding in the form of pieces. After its installation, menstruation changes slightly. Clots appear due to the fact that a foreign body in the form of a spiral does not always take root well in the female body, as well as due to the rejection of a fertilized egg.

Almost always, when installing the IUD, the color, character and consistency of menstrual blood changes. A large piece also comes out due to the septum on the cervix, when the spiral does not allow the egg to attach to the walls of the uterus, and it comes out of the vagina in the form of bloody pieces. In this case, a large clot will appear every time during menstruation.

Adhesive processes

Changes in the structure of the uterine wall lead to the formation of adhesions. The uterine cavity is affected by the adhesive process and because of this, the normal menstrual cycle is disrupted. Menstruation can be quite scanty, but with the presence of clots, the size and number of which depend on the degree of development of adhesions.

Without treatment, adhesive formations often result in the absence of menstruation and infertility, so it is necessary to consult a specialist for any changes in menstrual blood.

Endometrial polyposis

When endometrial cells grow locally, polyps form. Because of them, a large clot may appear during menstruation. Endometrial polyposis is characterized by severe cutting pain. True, clots can come out at almost any time during the menstrual cycle. Discharge during polyposis increases, but its nature depends on the size of the polyps, which can separate and come out of the vagina as a clot.

Childbirth as a cause of clots

Women who have just given birth have no reason to worry, for whom heavy periods with pieces of blood are the norm. Childbirth is a complex process, which is why the female body requires a lot of effort to recover after it. After the birth of a child, excess epithelium comes out of the uterus along with blood discharge in order to best clean its cavity.

During childbirth, the uterus participates in the process of the birth of a child. It contracts intensely, and after the newborn comes the placenta. But blood clots still remain in the cavity of the female organ and then come out along with menstruation. Such discharge should not bother a woman unless it is accompanied by a rise in temperature and poor health.

Termination of pregnancy

Sometimes the discharge of pieces of blood or tissue can mean termination of pregnancy. Spontaneous abortion or medical intervention leads to discharge of this kind.

Abortion

After an artificial termination of pregnancy, women will always have within ten days. In general, this is a normal phenomenon, because the body needs to cleanse itself of excess clots in the uterine cavity. Such discharge is not considered menstruation, but a kind of body response to stress after an abortion. Their duration depends on the individual health characteristics of the woman.

The color and size of bloody discharge plays an important role in this process. Very large pieces of blood, pain in the abdomen, and fever should be a reason to immediately consult a doctor. The type and amount of blood released depends on the type of abortion. During medical termination of pregnancy, heavy bleeding is observed only in the first days after taking the drugs, and then they become spotting.

Vacuum and surgical abortion are characterized by copious discharge. The presence of any additional symptoms at the same time can be life-threatening for a woman.

Miscarriages

A large blood clot in some cases means miscarriage in early pregnancy. Another characteristic sign of a miscarriage is the appearance of gray mucus with a yellow tint. Conception is interrupted for various reasons when the fertilized egg is not accepted by the body.

Every woman knows and has a presentiment if something goes wrong during her period. And one of the most common phenomena is that during menstruation the discharge comes in chunks.. Why this happens, is it normal or pathological, which diseases can be considered harmless and which can lead to serious consequences - we will consider below.

What is menstruation and the duration of the menstrual cycle

A woman's menstrual cycle - the period of time from the beginning of one menstruation to the beginning of another, on average (and is the norm for most women) is 28 days. It can vary significantly between women and vary, especially at a young age, since the cycle is controlled by female sex hormones.

The cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts up to 7 days, while the inner mucous membrane of the uterus - the decidual layer (endometrium) - is renewed, after which the body begins to produce specific hormones that serve as a signal for the creation of a new mucous membrane of the uterus.

The endometrium then thickens to accept the egg - this is around the 14th day of menstruation. When the ovary prepares a mature egg for release from the ovary into the fallopian tube, the period of ovulation begins (in the middle of the cycle). For a few more days, the egg moves through the fallopian tube ready for fertilization, but if it is not fertilized by a sperm, it will simply dissolve.

And if the whole body is already ready for pregnancy, but it does not occur, then the production of hormones decreases, the uterus rejects the endometrium, and the inner lining peels off - we observe this process in the form of menstruation.

This means that discharge during menstruation is a mixture of a small amount of blood, particles of mucous tissue and endometrium. Normal menstrual flow is up to 200 ml.

Top layer separation

Clot - what is it: why do large pieces of blood come out and how normal is this?

The presence of blood clots in the discharge does not always indicate pathology. There can be many reasons for this. Normal discharge varies from woman to color and thickness.

The body is designed in such a way that during menstruation it produces special enzymes that can act as anticoagulants and slow down blood clotting. When they cannot effectively cope with the task, with heavy menstruation, blood clots form. Such coagulated blood, dark burgundy in color with a jelly-like consistency and up to 10 cm long, is absolutely safe.

Also, do not worry if the clots are not accompanied by fever, severe pain and a high volume of discharge.

Clots should not bother you (without additional reasons) if:

You are under 18 years old;
If less than a month has passed since birth;
If you have recently had an abortion, surgery, curettage, miscarriage;
You use intrauterine contraceptives that cause heavy discharge during menstruation;
You know that you have an abnormal position of the uterus, which makes it difficult for blood to flow out normally, causing clots to form.

Blood clots also form if a woman remained in one position for a long time, and then suddenly changed it. For example, from horizontal (during sleep, rest) or sitting (in a bus, car, office) - to vertical (while walking). Thus, a woman moves from a stationary state to a mobile one, and the stagnation of blood in the uterus during calmness has time to coagulate, forming clots that come out as soon as movement begins.

This is considered the norm.

Such lumps are not a cause for concern if your normal body activity and hormonal state are not disturbed. If there are painful sensations and increased discomfort, there are reasons for concern.

Menstruation with clots reasons

Hormonal imbalance

During adolescence. When a girl’s body is just beginning its menstrual activity and rhythmic ovulation has not yet been established. This is the time to establish the process; this period lasts about 2 years.

Then there may be disruptions in the duration of the cycle, high sensitivity of the body to stressful situations, and any very minor negative factors. Thus, the reproductive system can react with juvenile bleeding, prolonged periods of menstruation (up to 2 weeks) and blood comes out in the form of clots, like the liver.

Disturbances after childbirth or curettage of the uterine cavity. For a month after the birth of a child or in the case of surgery, a woman in labor may discharge huge bloody lumps. It is normal if there is no increase in temperature along with the discharge; otherwise, you need to check whether there are any fragments of the placenta left in the uterus.

During menopause, when female reproductive and menstrual function declines (from the age of 45 years).

Hormonal imbalance is visible if it occurs dysfunction of the endocrine glands and cycle failure, then a huge output with lumps of brown blood is observed.

Often the disorder occurs in women after 45 years of age, during perimenopause. The frequency of ovulation decreases, the amount of blood and endometrium rejected is disrupted, and the discharge comes with a large number of clots.

Endometriosis and adenomyosis

Endometriosis. It is characterized by the growth of the mucous membrane of the uterus outside its boundaries, which is accompanied by painful and prolonged periods, cycle failure and an increased volume of blood that comes out.

Abnormal development of the uterine mucosa (adenomyosis) through damage to its walls is accompanied by constant severe pain and large volumes of discharge with clots.

Adenomyosis no longer affects only the space of the main female organ, but has a chance to spread to the ovaries, intestines and other organs. The appearance of endometriosis is still unclear, although it is generally accepted that endometrial “dropouts” form on inflamed tissues. The reproductive space inside becomes like a honeycomb in painful lesions.

The blood does not clot well, the contractile function of the organ is impaired, and clinical intervention is required for surgical treatment.

Polyposis as a disorder of the endometrium

For women after thirty years of age and even for those who are premenopausal (about 50 years old), discharge in the form of clots is a common occurrence. Endometrial polyposis (polyps) is a disorder of the internal tissues of the uterine cavity. These tissues grow, covering the uterine cavity in the form of polyps, which during menstruation can cause blood clots and pain in the lower abdomen, disruption of the monthly cycle through an abnormal “growth” of the uterine mucosa on the walls and the same unsystematic “removal” of it.

Endometrial disorder

These lumps are also caused by other diseases, such as:

Obesity– an excess of adipose tissue leads to disruption of the level of estrogen in the blood and affects the growth rate of the endometrium;
Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease or hypertension– accompanied by an increased amount of discharge due to metabolic disorders in the body;
Inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs (pelvis), both internal and external: It is infectious in nature and causes an inflammatory reaction, the main role in which is played by blood vessels.

Ectopic pregnancy and pregnancy pathology

The pathology of pregnancy occurs when a pregnant woman discharges in large lumps (she may not be aware of her “interesting situation”), this can warn of the threat of miscarriage. There is heavy bloody discharge, and menstruation is painful, with severe discomfort in the lower abdomen in the form of contractions.

An ectopic pregnancy is a very rare occurrence, but it happens that during an ectopic pregnancy small brown dark pieces are released.

Anomalies of the female genital organs

Disturbances at an early stage of the individual development of the fetus, during pregnancy, can manifest themselves in the form of abnormal sexual development, and the body of the uterus has a pathological shape. That is, when discharge occurs, the uterus functions abnormally, which leads to heavy bleeding and forms lumps.

Pathologies of the cervix and uterine cavity.

Uterine fibroids. A benign tumor or nodes disrupt the process of normal “removal” of the endometrium with the onset of the menstrual cycle. In such cases, periods are heavy and contain large clots. Such bleeding with pieces occurs as a result of menstrual irregularities, and can occur both during the day and at night.
Hyperplasia of the endometrium of the uterus- the most common disorder, with many blood clots coming out after menstruation, including dark clots. May accompany diseases such as diabetes, increased body weight or hypertension.
Oncological pathologies of the cervix and uterine cavity. Due to the obstructed movement of blood from the uterus and blood clotting still in the uterine cavity, many clots form and the menstruation itself is very painful. If you do not consult a gynecologist in time, a woman will develop a lot of “concomitant” diseases in protracted forms, which are manifested by constant bleeding.
The presence of cystic changes in the ovary. Gynecological diseases of the ovary associated with hormonal disorders. The process is painful, especially in the middle of the menstrual period, which manifests itself in the form of sharp pain in the lower abdomen, delayed cycles and vaginal bleeding between menstruation.

Endometrial hyperplasia

Taking medications to induce menstruation

It happens that a woman self-medicates with drugs such as Norkolut or Dufason, which are applicable during delayed menstruation. The appearance of menstruation occurs with heavy discharge, which is associated with an insufficient amount of progesterone. When a woman has more estrogen in her body than progesterone, it stimulates the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) to grow, it grows and an imbalance occurs.

There is a lot of endometrium, there are relatively few vessels and the cells begin to die, the vessels become exposed and bleeding begins, which can be prolonged and profuse. This leads to the development of iron deficiency anemia.

Contraceptives and intrauterine device

Oral contraceptives may cause short-term bleeding (for example, between pills). Intrauterine device (IUD). It can be gold, silver or regular polymer. In 7 out of 10 cases it causes increased bleeding, as the body perceives the coil as a foreign body.

When there is discharge from the uterus, it goes along with clots. Some claim that such lumps appear in connection with monthly miscarriages, but this is a completely erroneous assumption, since the contraceptive is located inside the uterus. To prevent sperm from getting on the way to the egg, which means it cannot fertilize it.

Accordingly, the theory about miscarriages is completely baseless. Sometimes increased menstrual flow is associated with the individual reaction of the female body to a foreign body - the coil.

Other (additional) reasons

When and for what discharge should you consult a gynecologist?

Any clots should alert a woman. You can't just ignore them.

It is necessary to contact a gynecologist for an unscheduled examination if:

The discharge does not stop within 7 days;
Bleeding has not decreased in all days and has reached an amount of over 150-200 ml;
If bleeding occurs “at the wrong time”;
You are planning a pregnancy and trying to conceive a child: here clots may indicate egg rejection and possible miscarriage;
The discharge has a sharp, unusual odor or very large clots;
Discharge is accompanied by severe pain, this may indicate infectious (inflammatory) processes or hormonal imbalance;
Shortness of breath, weakness, lethargy, tachycardia, and pale skin appeared, which indicates large blood loss.

Methods for treating pathological processes during menstruation

If huge monthly blood losses are observed, with the formation of clots, then it is imperative to undergo a course of treatment.

Conservative treatment– its goal is to replenish the body with iron. This is the use of vitamins and iron, both through food and medication, bed rest, especially during juvenile uterine bleeding, and hormonal treatment.
Surgical treatment– prescribed for complex cases, such as uterine fibroids, the presence of pathological endometrium, internal septum. It occurs by curettage or hysteroresectoscopy. In the most dangerous situations or in case of malignant pathologies, the uterus is removed.

Let's sum it up

The most important thing to remember is that clots can be normal if menstruation is painless, does not create additional discomfort and there are no disruptions to vital functions. And if you have concerns or doubts, the presence of blood clots in the form of a liver or a painful condition, make an appointment with a doctor, get examined to avoid diseases dangerous to your health.

You need to undergo a gynecological examination, including ultrasound, to exclude any pathology of the uterus, and do a general blood test to determine a sufficient number of platelets. Next, the attending doctor will prescribe medications that will increase blood clotting, normalize hormonal levels (depending on what disease is detected), and in complex malignant diseases, surgical intervention will be performed.

But it is better for a woman to be regularly observed by a gynecologist in order to prevent pathology, and not to get rid of its advanced form.

Video - traps for women. Painful periods

Menstruation is accompanied by many processes in a woman’s body. The central nervous system coordinates the entire monthly cycle and regulates sex hormones. If one of the links malfunctions, the nature of the discharge and the duration of menstruation change. If your period comes with blood clots – is it normal or abnormal? What does this picture indicate?

The next monthly cycle begins on the first day of menstruation. A new egg is born, which will develop until and after ovulation. At the same time, the uterus prepares to receive a fertilized egg. Under the influence of hormones, an additional layer of the uterus is formed - the endometrium. If fertilization does not occur, the uterus begins to get rid of it. Makes contractions, pushes out everything unnecessary. Along with the blood, the remains of the endometrium of the uterus come out. Hence menstruation with blood clots.

In addition, during critical days, a woman tries to lie down, sit more, and move less. This slows down the process of blood coming out. Once inside the vagina, it curls up. You may notice discharge with clots on the pad. They usually appear in the middle of menstruation, or at the end. Evidence that blood ceases to be intensely secreted, the uterus is completely cleared of epithelium.

If the discharge of blood does not differ from previous monthly periods, there is no pain or unusual discomfort, there is no reason for concern. Discharge with blood clots is normal.

Sometimes heavy periods with blood clots accompany a woman due to pathological abnormalities. This is the norm for this condition, but in general it is a deviation. These include the structure of the uterus with septa. During menstruation, blood is retained inside, quickly clots, and discharge with blood clots appears. As well as bicornuate uterus. This abnormal phenomenon causes heavy periods with clots, accompanied by severe pain. The problem is solved surgically.

If the discharge during menstruation is very different from usual, pathological processes in the body or a gynecological disease can be suspected.

Hormonal imbalance

Hormones are responsible for the entire process of the menstrual cycle. In the first phase, the development of the egg is ensured by the hormone estrogen. Under its influence, the uterus forms the endometrium. In the second phase, progesterone takes precedence. The hormone helps strengthen the fertilized egg to the walls of the uterus - the prepared endometrium. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone provokes menstruation. Hormonal imbalance leads to failure of the entire reproductive system. The situation may turn out differently. The uterus forms an excess layer of endometrium, the onset of menstruation will be delayed. As a result, heavy or scanty menstruation with blood clots appears. In the first case, the main reason for the large number of clots and heavy menstruation is the endometrial layer. In the second there is coagulated blood.

Hormonal imbalance does not mean that the cause of the malfunction is a disruption of the reproductive system. The following are responsible for the production and normal functioning of hormones:

thyroid gland;
adrenal glands;
brain;
pituitary.

Hormone levels are determined through a blood test, which is taken on certain days of the monthly cycle. With hormonal imbalance, monthly discharge with blood clots is always dark, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, fever, and nausea. With insufficient progesterone, periods are scanty. If there is excess, there is heavy menstruation. Hormonal imbalance occurs during menopause. Then menstruation ceases to be regular, and the discharge is accompanied by blood clots. The problem is solved by taking hormonal drugs.

Gynecological diseases

Diseases of the reproductive system are often accompanied by symptoms of varying severity. But sometimes menstrual irregularities and discharge with blood clots are the only sign of a pathological process in the body.

Endometriosis - the cause of clots

A fairly common disease among women of any age. The main cause of the pathology is hormonal imbalance. Endometriosis refers to diseases of the uterus. The organ produces an excessive layer of endometrium that extends beyond the uterus. All this is accompanied by aching pain on the eve of menstruation or during menstruation. Discomfort during sexual intercourse. Detachment of the endometrium causes heavy menstruation with blood clots. After menstruation, the aching pain remains. The situation may appear once or repeat every month. Which is a good reason to see a doctor. The disease can become chronic and will make itself known periodically. Endometriosis is one of the causes of infertility.

Uterine fibroids

A disease of the genital organ, characterized by the presence of benign formations. Gynecologists divide fibroids, fibroids, and fibromyomas. Depends on the location of the tumor and the tissues that are involved in the formation. In severe cases, the neoplasm can become malignant. Often the cause of the disease is hormonal imbalance. Very often, fibroids appear in women after 40 years before menopause. But it may be present in women of childbearing age. The main danger of the disease is the absence of symptoms. Apart from unusual discharge with blood clots, the woman does not worry about anything at first. Fibroids may disappear over time or increase in size. Amenable to hormonal treatment. If it grows, the tumor is removed surgically. It is very important to identify the disease in a timely manner. Then the treatment will be much more effective. The tumor interferes with the free flow of blood during menstruation. It curls up inside the genital organ. Discharge with blood clots appears on the pad.

Endometrial polyposis

More recently, doctors considered abortion and childbirth in adulthood to be the cause of the disease. Currently, cases of polyps occurring in young women who have not had an abortion have become more frequent. Small tumors grow on the walls of the uterus. They provoke heavy bleeding and the formation of clots. In addition, there is pain in the lower abdomen, spotting with brown discharge throughout the entire monthly cycle. One of the causes of the disease is hormonal imbalance, but the most important is mechanical impact.

Varicose veins of the pelvis

The disease can develop at an early age. Sometimes heavy periods with clots can help you suspect health problems. It is not the accumulation of blood that is present anymore, but the presence of mucus. At a young age, menstruation is heavy. As you get older, pain increases.

There are many reasons for the appearance of menstruation with clots. It is impossible to recognize it yourself at home. You will have to undergo an examination, a diagnosis, and a long course of treatment.

Photo of abnormal discharge with large clots in diseases of the uterus

Heavy periods with blood clots on the pad

A piece of blood that looks like a liver during menstruation

Copious blood clot

Dried menstrual blood in chunks

Presence of an intrauterine device

Not all women are suitable for hormonal contraception. And some people deliberately do not want to use them, fearing changes in appearance and health. The intrauterine device is a common contraceptive among women who have given birth. It is recommended to install it 6 months after childbirth, but some ladies install the spiral after 2 months. The spiral is installed in the uterine cavity, does not cause discomfort, and is not felt during movement. But it is perceived by the body as a foreign object.

The spiral affects the nature of discharge during menstruation. During the first 3 months, the body and reproductive system adapt to the contraceptive. At this time, menstruation becomes heavy with clots. Duration more than 7 days. There is no particular pain, there is general weakness and malaise. In some cases, dizziness occurs. In the period between menstruation, brown discharge and a small amount of clots may be observed. Within 3 months, menstruation returns to normal. Sometimes the amount of blood released and the duration of critical days become the same.

If the situation with clots and heavy bleeding recurs, you should consult a doctor. The presence of other painful sensations along with heavy discharge may indicate. The cause of the disease and discharge with the presence of a large number of clots is the spiral.

Interesting video:

Abortion, childbirth, miscarriage - periods in pieces

The cause of heavy discharge with the presence of clots may be a previous abortion. This may be the body's reaction to hormonal imbalance and physical intervention. Or else indicate incomplete removal of the embryo, the presence of an inflammatory process. A similar situation with the remaining part of the fetus can occur due to the use of tablets. Heavy menstruation with the presence of clots and with pieces during curettage is a consequence of injury to the organ.

After giving birth, a woman will have to go through the process of restoring her monthly cycle. All sorts of deviations are possible with a delay in menstruation, a violation of the duration of menstruation. Heavy bleeding with clots is also possible. The situation should not be ignored. It is necessary to visit a gynecologist to rule out diseases and pathological processes.

or voluntary termination of pregnancy often occurs in the first 12 weeks after conception. Sometimes a woman has no idea about pregnancy at all, and after a short delay of 1-3 weeks, her period begins. At the same time, the discharge is more abundant than it was before. The consistency is not homogeneous with blood clots. It is advisable for a woman to undergo an ultrasound to make sure that the uterus has cleared itself. In other cases, additional curettage is performed.

Drugs to induce menstruation

Free access to the Internet has given the modern woman the opportunity to solve her problems without the help of a doctor. The situation with delayed periods is discussed on the forums. There, women give each other advice on how to induce menstruation. It is not difficult to guess that menstruation can be delayed for many reasons. The solution to the problem is purely individual. Meanwhile, women go to the pharmacy and buy drugs to induce menstruation.

Menstruation with clots is the result of using Duphaston. These are the most common remedies among women. You need to take the tablets 2 times a day for 10 days. At the end of the period, your period comes. In some women this happens after 3-5 days of using the drug. These pills contain a large amount of progesterone. If the body's hormone balance is disturbed, and the delay is not due to a lack of progesterone, the drugs will cause heavy menstruation and clots (pieces of blood).

Menstruation with blood clots should not be ignored. A woman should analyze the situation, the amount of discharge, and assess her general well-being. If the situation is concerning, you should visit a gynecologist. In most cases, the problem is solved by qualified treatment. Independent efforts will not bring results.

The nature of menstruation depends on many factors: general health, individual characteristics of the body, age-related changes in hormonal levels. With various diseases of the reproductive system, significant deviations from the norm occur. It is important to pay attention to the appearance of unusual signs in a timely manner. If your periods are heavy, with clots, and there are accompanying symptoms that cause discomfort, this indicates a serious pathology. But at the same time, clots in menstrual flow can be normal.

If there are few of them, and the volume of menstruation does not exceed 80-100 ml, then, most likely, the formation of clots is caused by natural causes. Normal menstruation lasts no more than 5-6 days and is not overly painful, and the discharge does not have an unpleasant odor.

The appearance of clots in normal discharge can occur in the following cases:

In the uterine cavity there are adhesions and scars that interfere with the outflow of mucus and menstrual blood. Stagnant blood clots and is sometimes expelled from the uterus in the form of lumps.
There are congenital abnormalities in the shape or position of the uterus (for example, a bent cervix, the presence of septa in the cavity), which contributes to the formation of blood clots.
Blood has increased viscosity (this condition occurs, for example, with insufficient fluid intake, the predominance of protein products in the diet, with diseases of the liver, kidneys, and blood vessels).
A woman sits or lies for a long time. Blood and mucus accumulate and thicken, and when you stand up, there is a profuse discharge with lumps of mucus.
Blood clotting increases as a result of taking medications - coagulants (for nosebleeds, for example) or hormonal drugs. This helps reduce the duration and intensity of bleeding, but leads to the formation of blood clots in the discharge.
A contraceptive device is installed in the uterine cavity, which contributes to the formation of blood clots in menstrual blood.
A woman has an abortion that has just begun (at 1-2 weeks). After a short delay, heavy, long periods appear with clots of unevenly exfoliated endometrium.

The norm is the appearance of lumps during the first menstruation after an abortion, when the discharge may contain remnants of the fertilized egg. The hormonal shift that occurs in the body after abortion and childbirth is the reason that periods become heavy. Hormones also affect the production of enzymes that regulate blood clotting.

At various periods of a woman’s life, associated with natural changes in hormonal levels (development of the reproductive system, onset of sexual activity, menopause), deviations in the nature of menstruation are also possible. Scanty discharge may alternate with abundant discharge. The appearance of lumps is explained by changes in the structure of the mucous membranes.

Hypothermia, malnutrition, and bad habits contribute to the appearance of deviations in the nature of menstruation.

Addition: Alcohol increases blood viscosity. After its accumulation in the blood, menstruation may contain large blood clots.

Video: Why blood clots form during menstruation

Causes of pathological heavy menstruation with clots

Heavy and prolonged bleeding during menstruation can cause iron deficiency anemia. Large blood loss leads to a decrease in hemoglobin levels, that is, to a lack of oxygen supply to the body's cells. Symptoms of this dangerous condition are dizziness and headache, loss of strength, pallor, and decreased blood pressure. This inevitably affects the production of hormones, as well as the functioning of the hematopoietic organs, which leads to disruption of the homogeneity of the composition of menstrual secretions and the appearance of clots in them.

Pathological heavy periods with clots can be a symptom of various hormonal disorders and diseases of the reproductive organs.

Signs of pathology

The fact that heavy periods of heterogeneous consistency are pathological can be judged by the following signs:

In addition to increased blood loss during menstruation, bleeding or brown spotting is observed in between periods.
Menstruation comes too often (cycle duration is less than 21 days) or with great delays (later than 35 days). It is possible to alternate long and shortened cycles.
Blood loss is 100-150 ml or more.
The duration of menstruation is 8 or more days.
The blood discharge has a pungent odor and contains impurities of purulent mucus.
Menstruation is accompanied by severe pain in the lower abdomen.

Only after a gynecological examination and ultrasound will the doctor be able to say what was the cause of heavy periods.

Diseases that cause abnormal periods

The appearance of thick impurities in menstrual discharge may be associated with improper development of the endometrium, which is renewed with each menstrual cycle. The reason for their formation is also damage to tissues and blood vessels, the formation of obstacles to the exit of secretions from the uterus.

Uterine fibroids. This benign tumor develops in the muscles of the uterine wall and can grow towards its outer lining. If it fills the uterine cavity, then various cycle disorders occur. The cause is compression and damage to blood vessels, stretching of the uterus. The tumor blocks the exit from the cavity to the cervix, which leads to the formation of blood clots. Heavy periods with blood clots, as well as an enlarged abdomen and nagging pain below the navel are characteristic signs of fibroids.

Endometrial hyperplasia. The result of hormonal imbalance in the body, as well as damage to the endometrium during an abortion or curettage, is a disruption of its development and structure. The mucous membrane thickens, swells, and uneven exfoliation occurs. At the same time, dense particles appear in menstruation. Blood loss from damaged vessels increases.

Endometriosis. The disease is associated with an increase in the volume of the endometrium inside the cavity, its growth into the tubes and ovaries, cervix, and peritoneal area. In this case, all processes of the menstrual cycle are disrupted. Menstruation becomes profuse, comes irregularly, and contains particles of destroyed tissue.

Polyps in the cavity and cervix. These neoplasms are growths on the inner walls. They are easily injured when the endometrium leaves the uterus during menstruation. The volume of bloody discharge increases and contains particles of decaying tissue.

Cervical erosion. Damage to the mucous membranes in the area of the cervical canal and at the entrance to the vagina leads to the appearance of ulcers and microcracks in this area. The cause of cervical erosion is damage during childbirth, abortion, or curettage of the uterine cavity. The wounds may fester. Bacteria easily penetrate the internal genital organs, causing inflammatory processes. All this leads to cycle disruption and the appearance of heavy periods with clots.

Infectious diseases of the genital organs. They lead to the occurrence of inflammatory processes that cause disruption of the structure of the uterine cavity. In addition, microorganisms secrete substances that, when released into the blood, can change its acidity and viscosity. This causes clots to form.

Warning: Heavy bleeding with clots may be a sign of cancer in the uterus. Therefore, if obvious discomfort appears due to clots during menstruation, you should immediately undergo a gynecological examination.

The cause of pathological discharge during menstruation may be improper metabolism, diabetes mellitus, disruption of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland and other organs of the endocrine system.

Video: Heavy periods with endometriosis

What to do during periods with clots

If there are obvious signs of pathology, then you need to contact a gynecologist. You may need to consult an endocrinologist or oncologist. If the blood loss is too great, there are large clots, and the discharge is bright red, you must call an ambulance. Uterine bleeding can sometimes be stopped only by completely removing the endometrium. It is unacceptable to self-medicate or use home remedies to stop bleeding.

What is menstruation and the duration of the menstrual cycle

The cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts up to 7 days, while the inner mucous membrane of the uterus - the decidual layer (endometrium) - is renewed, after which the body begins to produce specific hormones that serve as a signal for the creation of a new mucous membrane of the uterus.

And if the whole body is already ready for pregnancy, but it does not occur, then the production of hormones decreases, the uterus rejects the endometrium, and the inner lining peels off - we observe this process in the form of menstruation.

This means that discharge during menstruation is a mixture of a small amount of blood, particles of mucous tissue and endometrium. Normal menstrual flow is up to 200 ml.

Top layer separation

Clot - what is it: why do large pieces of blood come out and how normal is this?

The presence of blood clots in the discharge does not always indicate pathology. There can be many reasons for this. Normal discharge varies from woman to color and thickness.

The body is designed in such a way that during menstruation it produces special enzymes that can act as anticoagulants and slow down blood clotting. When they cannot effectively cope with the task, with heavy menstruation, blood clots form. Such coagulated blood, dark burgundy in color with a jelly-like consistency and up to 10 cm long, is absolutely safe.

Also, do not worry if the clots are not accompanied by fever, severe pain and a high volume of discharge.

Clots should not bother you (without additional reasons) if:

You are under 18 years old;
If less than a month has passed since birth;
If you have recently had an abortion, surgery, curettage, miscarriage;
You use intrauterine contraceptives that cause heavy discharge during menstruation;
You know that you have an abnormal position of the uterus, which makes it difficult for blood to flow out normally, causing clots to form.

This is considered the norm.

Such lumps are not a cause for concern if your normal body activity and hormonal state are not disturbed. If there are painful sensations and increased discomfort, there are reasons for concern.

Menstruation with clots reasons

Hormonal imbalance

Then there may be disruptions in the duration of the cycle, high sensitivity of the body to stressful situations, and any very minor negative factors. Thus, the reproductive system can react with juvenile bleeding, prolonged periods of menstruation (up to 2 weeks) and blood comes out in the form of clots, like the liver.

During menopause, when female reproductive and menstrual function declines (from the age of 45 years).

Hormonal imbalance is visible if it occurs dysfunction of the endocrine glands and cycle failure, then a huge output with lumps of brown blood is observed.

Endometriosis and adenomyosis

Abnormal development of the uterine mucosa (adenomyosis) through damage to its walls is accompanied by constant severe pain and large volumes of discharge with clots.

The blood does not clot well, the contractile function of the organ is impaired, and clinical intervention is required for surgical treatment.

Polyposis as a disorder of the endometrium

Endometrial disorder

These lumps are also caused by other diseases, such as:

Obesity– an excess of adipose tissue leads to disruption of the level of estrogen in the blood and affects the growth rate of the endometrium;
Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease or hypertension– accompanied by an increased amount of discharge due to metabolic disorders in the body;
Inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs (pelvis), both internal and external: It is infectious in nature and causes an inflammatory reaction, the main role in which is played by blood vessels.

Ectopic pregnancy and pregnancy pathology

An ectopic pregnancy is a very rare occurrence, but it happens that during an ectopic pregnancy small brown dark pieces are released.

Anomalies of the female genital organs

Pathologies of the cervix and uterine cavity.

Uterine fibroids. A benign tumor or nodes disrupt the process of normal “removal” of the endometrium with the onset of the menstrual cycle. In such cases, periods are heavy and contain large clots. Such bleeding with pieces occurs as a result of menstrual irregularities, and can occur both during the day and at night.
Hyperplasia of the endometrium of the uterus- the most common disorder, with many blood clots coming out after menstruation, including dark clots. May accompany diseases such as diabetes, increased body weight or hypertension.
Oncological pathologies of the cervix and uterine cavity. Due to the obstructed movement of blood from the uterus and blood clotting still in the uterine cavity, many clots form and the menstruation itself is very painful. If you do not consult a gynecologist in time, a woman will develop a lot of “concomitant” diseases in protracted forms, which are manifested by constant bleeding.
The presence of cystic changes in the ovary. Gynecological diseases of the ovary associated with hormonal disorders. The process is painful, especially in the middle of the menstrual period, which manifests itself in the form of sharp pain in the lower abdomen, delayed cycles and vaginal bleeding between menstruation.

Endometrial hyperplasia

Taking medications to induce menstruation

There is a lot of endometrium, there are relatively few vessels and the cells begin to die, the vessels become exposed and bleeding begins, which can be prolonged and profuse. This leads to the development of iron deficiency anemia.

Contraceptives and intrauterine device

When there is discharge from the uterus, it goes along with clots. Some claim that such lumps appear in connection with monthly miscarriages, but this is a completely erroneous assumption, since the contraceptive is located inside the uterus. To prevent sperm from getting on the way to the egg, which means it cannot fertilize it.

Accordingly, the theory about miscarriages is completely baseless. Sometimes increased menstrual flow is associated with the individual reaction of the female body to a foreign body - the coil.

Other (additional) reasons

When and for what discharge should you consult a gynecologist?

Any clots should alert a woman. You can't just ignore them.

It is necessary to contact a gynecologist for an unscheduled examination if:

The discharge does not stop within 7 days;
Bleeding has not decreased in all days and has reached an amount of over 150-200 ml;
If bleeding occurs “at the wrong time”;
You are planning a pregnancy and trying to conceive a child: here clots may indicate egg rejection and possible miscarriage;
The discharge has a sharp, unusual odor or very large clots;
Discharge is accompanied by severe pain, this may indicate infectious (inflammatory) processes or hormonal imbalance;
Shortness of breath, weakness, lethargy, tachycardia, and pale skin appeared, which indicates large blood loss.

Methods for treating pathological processes during menstruation

If huge monthly blood losses are observed, with the formation of clots, then it is imperative to undergo a course of treatment.

Conservative treatment– its goal is to replenish the body with iron. This is the use of vitamins and iron, both through food and medication, bed rest, especially during juvenile uterine bleeding, and hormonal treatment.
Surgical treatment– prescribed for complex cases, such as uterine fibroids, the presence of pathological endometrium, internal septum. It occurs by curettage or hysteroresectoscopy. In the most dangerous situations or in case of malignant pathologies, the uterus is removed.

Let's sum it up

You need to undergo a gynecological examination, including ultrasound, to exclude any pathology of the uterus, and do a general blood test to determine a sufficient number of platelets. Next, the attending doctor will prescribe medications that will increase blood clotting, normalize hormonal levels (depending on what disease is detected), and in complex malignant diseases, surgical intervention will be performed.

But it is better for a woman to be regularly observed by a gynecologist in order to prevent pathology, and not to get rid of its advanced form.